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Date: 10/11/2022
CHICOPEE – The city and Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) continue to progress on the design of the Montgomery Street, Granby Road and McKinstry Avenue intersection improvements. During the City Council’s Oct. 4 meeting, the council approved Mayor John Vieau’s appropriation of $281,800 to the project.
Background
The project continues to gain momentum after several public hearings occurred throughout the year. MassDOT hosted a virtual hearing regarding the project in March before meeting with the City Council’s Public Works Subcommittee for a May 5 presentation.
During the May 5 discussion, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. (VHB) Project Manager Van Kacoyannakis shared that the area - which is considered one of the five most accident-prone locations in the Pioneer Valley - remained a focal point for improvement over the years. Previously, the Pioneer Valley Planning Committee analyzed avenues to improve the traffic-heavy area.
“This area has been looked at for quite a bit of time,” said Kacoyannakis.
Between 2014 and 2016, 174 accidents occurred within the project’s parameters.
Chicopee conducted a feasibility study for the project in May 2017 before receiving approval from the MassDOT Project Review Committee for Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) funding. From there, Kacoyannakis explained that the DPW, MassDOT and VHB conducted a Road Safety Audit in 2019, while also completing 10 percent of the project design.
Kacoyannakis said the project aims to improve safety for all modes of transportation, rehabilitate the existing pavement and promote smoother travel for pedestrians and bicyclists. The unique, three roundabout design of the area will also help reduce speeds, minimize traffic points, minimize crash severity and promote traffic calming, according to Kacoyannakis.
The trio of roundabouts each possess their own design features. The roundabout connecting Montgomery Street with the Massachusetts Turnpike features a single-lane approach, while the Montgomery Street to Granby Road roundabout showcases a two-lane “peanut shape” design.
Currently, the project is at 25 percent completed for its design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
City Council
Vieau discussed the appropriated funds, which allow the project to fully complete its design phase.
“We’re about 25 percent designed. My understanding is this will help get it to 100 percent designed,” said Vieau.
Department of Public Works Superintendent Elizabette Batista explained that despite the appropriation of funds from the city’s stabilization account, the expenses will ultimately be reimbursed from Chapter 90 monies.
“It should get us to the full 100 percent prior to construction,” said Batista.
The city has allocated up to $300,000 annually to continue funding the design phase of the project, according to Batista.
After brief discussion, the City Council approved the appropriation request in a unanimous vote.